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Risk of Early Childhood Dental Caries Associated With Prolonged Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Karina Lustosa1, Larissa Rosa Santana Rodrigues2, Reuber Mendes Rocha2

  • 1Department of Oral Medicine, University of Anápolis, Anápolis, GO, Brazil.

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|April 21, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Prolonged breastfeeding beyond 24 months significantly increases the risk of early childhood caries (ECC). Breastfeeding between 12-24 months showed no increased ECC risk, highlighting a critical duration for infant oral health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Breastfeeding offers crucial neonatal benefits.
  • Concerns exist regarding prolonged breastfeeding and early childhood caries (ECC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between prolonged breastfeeding duration and the risk of ECC in children under 71 months.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
  • Searched PubMed, Scopus, and other databases up to May 17, 2024.
  • Assessed risk of bias using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist.

Main Results:

  • Included 25 studies with 19,681 participants.
  • Breastfeeding >24 months showed a 2.44x increased ECC risk (RR=2.44; 95% CI, 1.97-3.02).
  • Breastfeeding 12-24 months did not significantly increase ECC risk; however, meta-analysis indicated higher ECC prevalence (OR=1.86; 95% CI, 1.48-2.35) for durations beyond 12 months.

Conclusions:

  • Prolonged breastfeeding beyond 24 months is linked to higher ECC risk.
  • Further research is needed to address limitations and clarify the relationship between extended breastfeeding and ECC.
Abstract

Keywords:
dental educationpreventionsyndromes head and neck/cleft lip and palate

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